Shielding Container Handle-Lid Linkage for Safer Radioactive Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armored containers for transporting radioactive syringes are heavy and cumbersome, posing risks of injury due to difficult lid maneuvering and pinched fingers.
Innovation Solution
A shielded container with a handle structure and lug mechanism for easy grip and controlled lid operation, featuring a guide slot for pivoting the lid, and a platform for stability, made partially of radio-protective materials like stainless steel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is made with sufficient radio-protective material, then radiation protection is ensured, but the weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs composite construction with a lead core (radioprotective material) covered by stainless steel facings. This composite structure provides adequate radiation protection while reducing the overall weight compared to using solid lead throughout the entire container structure.
2Reliability
If the container lid is made heavy for radiation protection, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A lug structure acts as an intermediary element between the handle and the lid. This lug engages with a guide slot in the lateral arm to provide controlled pivoting motion, enabling safe and easy lid operation even when the lid itself remains relatively heavy for radiation protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct manual lifting and manipulation of the heavy lid with a mechanical pivoting system. The handle structure with lug and guide slot mechanism substitutes for direct hand operation, allowing the lid to be opened and closed safely without requiring the operator to directly handle the heavy shielded lid.
3Reliability
If the container lid is made heavy and cumbersome, then radiation protection is maintained, but the risk of injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lug structure serves as a safety intermediary that mediates between the operator and the heavy lid. By providing controlled pivoting through the guide slot mechanism, it prevents uncontrolled movement that could cause pinched fingers or injury, while maintaining the heavy lid's radiation protection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide slot and lug mechanism provide beforehand cushioning by controlling the lid's motion path. This prevents sudden uncontrolled movements that could injure the operator, allowing safe operation of the heavy shielded lid throughout its opening and closing cycle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and efficient transport of radioactive products by reducing weight and improving lid maneuverability, minimizing injury risks and ensuring radiation protection.
Implementation Method 1
made at least partially of a radio-protective material against ionizing radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a shielding container (1) designed to transport a receptacle containing a radioactive product, the container comprising a container body (2), the container body being associated with a container lid (3) by means of a hinge line (4) of the lid. The container (1) comprises a handle structure (5) for gripping and carrying same, the handle structure being formed by a grip member (51) extended by two side arms (52) of the handle. The side arms (52) of the handle are rigidly attached to the end walls (24) of the container body (2) by means of a hinge line (6) of the handle; and said arms comprise a guide slot (522) which co-operates with lug structures (7) that are rigidly attached to the end sides of the lid (34) in order to ensure that the container lid (3) pivots about its hinge line (4) by means of the lug structures (7) whenever the handle structure (5) pivots about the hinge line (6) of the handle.